Edinburgh Science is set to star at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards  

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector. 

This year’s shortlist includes 32 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country following a record-breaking number of nominations. While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Wednesday 24 May 2023. 

Edinburgh Science has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘Climate Conscious’ category and are encouraging those in Edinburgh to vote for them. 

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Science said: “Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges of our time but we believe that if we all work together we can build a better future for everyone.

“Edinburgh Science has been dedicated to taking climate action for many years now, from empowering our Edinburgh Science Festival audiences, supporting small businesses and organisations to build their own carbon management plans with The NetZeroToolkit and even with senior business leaders and decision-makers through our Climate Co-Lab meetings.

“We are proud to be shortlisted for this important award – it really does mean the world to us.”  

The 2023 Scottish Charity Awards winners will be announced at a celebratory awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 23 June 2023 – hosted by TV presenter Sally Magnusson. 

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “This year’s Scottish Charity Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups within our vibrant sector.

“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector, and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country. The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.  

“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate! 

To view the full list of finalists, visit the SCVO website. 

The Green Team shortlisted for Scottish Charity of the Year Award

The Green Team is a finalist for the Scottish Charity of the Year Award, the only environmental charity to make the shortlist in this category. Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

For 25 years the Green Team has been using fun outdoor activities and practical conservation tasks to support young people to connect with nature, others and themselves.

The last year has been one of huge change: improved governance structures and strategy, a new website and brand, and the sourcing and diversification of much-needed income. While all this change was going on, invaluable opportunities were provided for over 1,100 young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians to use nature for education, respite, social development, learning new skills and to take positive action for the environment.

While a judging panel will determine the winner of the Charity of the Year award, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award.

The Green Team is encouraging those in the Edinburgh and Lothians area, and those who are passionate about the environment and youth work, to vote for them for the People’s Choice Award – by visiting https://scvo.org.uk/scottish-charity-awards/finalists-2020/charity-of-the-year/the-green-team – before 5pm on Friday 4 September 2020.

Penny Radway, Chief Executive of The Green Team, said: “We are delighted and thrilled that in the year that the Green Team celebrates 25 years of connecting with young people through environmental action, we are finalists for the Scottish Charity of the Year Award.”

The full list of finalists can be found on the SCA website.

Due to the impact of coronavirus, this year the Awards will run a little differently. Winners will be announced on 25 September (rescheduled from June) and will now take place online so that all finalists and attendees who wish to attend are still able to join the celebrations in a safe way, regardless of lockdown phase or shielding status.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “Much of the work celebrated this year predates the pandemic. All aspects of our lives have been disrupted in 2020. Our communities and the charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises they rely on have been under enormous pressure.

“Scotland’s voluntary sector has never been more needed and will be essential to Scotland’s recovery. At SCVO we know that fantastic work is going on all the time and we are delighted to celebrate these achievements and successes through the Scottish Charity Awards.

“This year’s shortlist of 45 finalists showcases just how diverse our voluntary sector is, and highlights, the fantastic work that has been going on across the country since the last Awards until March this year. The Awards are a great way of celebrating and recognising the people and organisations who make our voluntary sector a crucial part of every part of life in Scotland.

“Our finalists are fantastic, and I would encourage everyone to support their favourite by voting in the People’s Choice Award.”